Sports Festival
The crowds are gathering at the Colosseum for another day demonstrating the athletic prowess of Alexandros' denizens. While the last few days have hosted various combative events, today the topic at hand is athletic and acrobatic prowess.
The rules for each event are fairly simple- they are a measure of natural talent and practised skill, and as such natural abilities and feats are not only permitted, but encouraged. But magic is strictly prohibited, and the only equipment permitted is that provided by the organizers. Simple tunics are provided to competitors, coloured either red or blue, according to whether they wish to represent Kor and the Twilight Eidolon or Angoron and the Light Eidolon.
Signing up is open to any and all who wish to test their prowess, as this is as much a demonstration as it is a competition, and amateurs are encouraged to join in. However, the first event is an individual one, so once signed up and changed into their uniforms, prospective competitors are allowed to mill about near the starting point of the first event- the Triathalon, until they are called to take their positions. There are no weight, gender or race divisions. Much like life, it's every man, woman or goblin for themselves.
Thurid herself is here, and she's already signed up for the events- she is sporting the Angoron blue tunic, and is over near the starting area. She's going through a routine of stretches while she prepares for the competition.
Merek would likely be participating, while he wears what looks to be the usual dark attire, though uniform in appearance while he takes the time to drink from an icemilkwhile he waits along.
<OOC> Merek says, "Blue team!"
Cryosanthia is in town to check on a few things. The white-scaled Sith'makar is wearing layered robes today, something that is wizardly and scholarly in a stark white with some pale blue embroidery and a furry ruff at hemline, waist, collar and wrists. A smale whitescale backpack is half-hidden under a hood.
With her is an even smaller lizard-person in an even puffier set of garb. Lily, Cryo's foundling, is wearing a down-filled pink parka, complete with hood, matching boots and mittens. The ruffs on her clothing are also fur, and a stark white, some sort of mink or rabbit. This somewhat slows her down.
The two appear in the stands, taking a seat near the front.
The competitors slowly begin to file their way to the starting area, various individuals from various races making an appearance- quite a few angorites, of course, but the red team has gained a decent following, too. The atmosphere is sporting and friendly- for the time being, at least. No one has lost, yet.
In the stands, the usual carts are doling out refreshments, as well as a group of industrious goblins who have made commemorative tunics, matching those worn by the athletes- most of them anyway- and emblazoned with the names of some of the more well known and regarded professionals amongst them. They are selling them for a not unreasonable, but also not particularly inexpensive price to the spectators.
Thurid spies the man in dark attire on her side, and offers him a nod. "Not wearing the uniform?" she asks him then, but then just shrugs. Having finished touching her toes and bending backwards, she begins rolling her shoulders and her neck, shaking out her arms, and hopping up and down to finish limbering up.
"Ah, I like my own things," Merek admits, while he takes a moment to adjust his scarf which he wears, then he begins to use his magic weaved into his attire to change it into a kind of uniform, at least it would appear to keep the sigil, it's still dark attire. Then he's taking a few magical pieces off that might provide a little bit of advantage. Then a nod while he would walk along to settle in with the team. Noticing Cryo in the stands, the man waves that way.
"So which toy do you want? Pop-ball, Sith, scorpion, harmonica?" Cryo asks Little Fang, who stares back at her, "In Tradespeak, this one is not bringing them all out."
The carnation scaled youngling thinks it over, then hisses, "Ssssithy"
"Okay, Ssssithy it iss." The whitescale reaches into her backpack and pulls out a rather large plush sith-makar. Her hand loops through a graceful gesture and her glove glows, "This one hasn't seen River Stone in a while, so let's think of him." The scales on the plush switch to a granite-grey and she hands it Lily. The little lizard immediately hugs a toy which is larger than she is.
Cryo looks down at the field, "Oh, there's that Jotun woman we met earlier, and Merk. Hi Merek! Hi Thurid!" She waves back.
Thurid watches the man's outfit change with a hint of suspicion, "I'm surprised they let you keep that. You know if they detect any magic during the event, you'll be disqualified?" she reminds him of the terms he surely signed up for when joining. Very very few of the competitors are wearing anything other than the bright red or blue tunics provided. But then she hears her name, and looks up to the stands. She smiles brightly, and waves both hands over her head towards the familiar sith pair, "Hello!" she calls back cheerfully.
Once the crowd are settled into their seats and the cut off point for entrants into the first event are finished, the announcer begins to introduce the first event-
"Ladies and Lizards, Gnomes and Gentlemen! The first event of the day is a triathalon- first, the competitors will compete in a two-hundred yard sprint around the circumference of the arena. Following this, they will climb a rockface erected by magic. Thirdly, the arena will be flooded with waters from the nearby river, and they must dive and swim it's circumference back to the starting position. Now competitors! To your places!" He finishes.
Thurid jogs over to her assigned place at the starting point, and most of the other competitors do, too. Once there, she drops down to a low position, the knee of her leading leg tucked up against her chest, other leg half bent and foot pressed against the raised starting post in the track, fingertips touching her starting line. Waiting for the go signal.
"I don't wear anything else," Merek notes, while he nods a bit, then he smiles up along to Cryosanthia. Then it's back to the woman, then to the team while he nods a little bit, "I don't think that wearing things that just change looks will offer any advantage," then he finds a place to settle in to prepare.
"Ssshssss. That sounds like fun." Cryo hisses to Lily, then holds up a blue pennant for Angoron and Merek and Thurid's team. Her tail swishes behind her, she calls out, "Be Strong!"
Once all of the competitors have taken their position, the announcer- whos voice is amplified by a magical broach- raises a pistol to the air. "On your marks! Get set! Go!" He fires, striking the sparkpowder cartridge within, producing a loud bang to signify the start of the race.
<OOC> Thurid says, "The first leg, the footrace: Athletics test. You get a +2 circumstance bonus if your base speed is higher than 30, or a -2 of it is lower than 30. You can use feats or racial abilities which enhance athletics or land speed."
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Merek rolls athletics: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thurid says, "That is a false start- you stumble at the block, but do not fall prone."
GAME: Thurid rolls +6+2: (1)++6+2: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Thurid rolls +4: (3)++4: 7
<OOC> Thurid says, "The NPCs didn't do much better."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Anyway. Go ahead and pose your false start. There will be another check at the midway point of the race, so it's not all over."
Merek would begin to try and run, only to begin to roll forward, while he makes a noise, and would look up to everyone. He then nods a bit while he would try this time to take off, while he tries to make a way along.
Thurid presses away from the block as the pistol shot, rising up in a slightly less than fluid motion- her own foot scrapes against the sandy floor and she almost overbalances, but is able to compensate and pull her center of wight back and begins bounding down the track, hands flat and at her sides and long legs propelling her forwards.
A wiry little goblin on the Korite team spits on his hands and rubs them together while waiting for the starting pistol. When it goes off, and Merek stumbles, he is so distracted by the blue team's competitor going down that he does as well, taking a few faltering steps and dropping to a knee as he tries to regain his balance.
A large, muscular Dran man in a red tunic- only he's wearing it open to expose his very hairy chest- keeps level with Thurid off the block, but begins to fall behind. Other than the false starts being a few lengths behind, it's a fairly even race with most of the competitors in a fairly tight pack as they approach the midway point of the race.
"Yay!" The carnation-scale lizardling cheers loudly, waving a pennant. It's a blue, Angoron one but she's watching the Red team as they are closer to her scale colour.
"Silly Lily, our friends are there, tripping." Cryo laughs, watching the false start. She exhales happily, crossing her ankles, then calls out, "GO! Show them the strength of your legs!"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright! Mid point, it's a con save to see if you can keep up the pace or begin to slow. DC is 15. Again, affected by feats and natural abilities but not magic or equipment."
GAME: Merek rolls fort: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Thurid rolls fort: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (10)+6: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, through perseverence you begin to catch up with the front of the pack as some of the other competitors slow."
Thurid's long legs, good form, and even breathing serve her well as she bounds towards the midpoint of the race- she is pacing herself well, and shows no signs of slowing as beads of sweat form on her brow, large feet landing one infront of the other in the sand as she takes the corner at the two thirds point of the race.
The goblin who had a false start begins to sprint as hard as he can to try and catch up, but this seems to bite him in the posterior, as he quickly winds himself, and utters a curse, clutching his side as he begins to slow.
The Dran man keeps up with Thurid, his face a mask of grim determination as he drives onwards too, there's barely an arms length between them as they come towards the final part of the race.
The rest of the pack has begin to spread out considerably, now, as some of the competitors of both teams fall off and begin to slow, while others prepare for the final push towards the finish line.
Merek tries not to fast make a way to meet up with the team, with instead taking the time to work along while the others will tire, then manages to actually make a way back into the team as well.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Final test is Athletics, anyone who failed their con test (The goblin) gets a -2"
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (2)+6: 8
"Go! Go! Go! You can make it!" Cryo shouts encouragement, standing cheering. Her cheer is a loud whistling noise, a little like birdsong but much deeper. Her youngling copying her, sounds much more chirpy at it. "Go Thurid!"
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Merek rolls athletics: (20)+1: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (11)+4: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "With a sudden burst of speed, you pull ahead at the very last moment and cross the finish line first."
Thurid's foot slips again as she runs, and though she manages to avoid a stumble, she does have to momentarily slow her pace to avoid overbalancing. She redoubles her efforts, but slowly cedes her first place to the dran man. And then Merek comes rushing past her with a sudden second wind.
The Dran man, who is emminently consistant, continues pounding his way towards the finish line, his own brow sweating now as he gets closer and closer to the finish line until he is caught off guard by being passed as well. He tries to increase his pace, but he's already flat out, and is struggling to keep the gap from widening further.
The goblin has found his second wind, too, and begins catching up with the rest of the pack, but his false start and winding have left him too far in the dust- he doesn't manage to overtake the leading group, but he does place shortly after them.
Merek looks around a bit while he seems to wait for an opportunity. When it looks like everyone would be in the best position for him to actually try it, he then begins to take off with a charge into the finish line. There is something to be said when the Mage with no magic manages to make the win also.
"Wow, Merek won." Cryo sounds genuinely surprised, "Where did all that speed come from. Merek won Lily, cheer for Angoron."
"Arangsss." The little pinkscale hisses.
Cryo laughs and calls, "Congratulations!" She makes more warbly whistling noises.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Final positions for the race section: Merek first, Dran second, Thurid Third"
The racer- those who finished first, at least, have a few moments to collect their breath as the remaining competitors catch up to them. While they wait, two mages on hand weave their magic- as promised- and a broad spire of earth begins to rise out of the ground, causing the seats in the stands to rumble and the sand on the arena floor to dance about with the vibrations. The rough hewn rockface is about thirty feet tall, once it finishes rising, and is craggy enough to provide fair- but not excellent- handholds for the climbers.
"And now for the climb!" the announcer, who has retreated to a raised section calls with his amplified voice. "Competitors will have three attempts to reach the top! Don't worry folks- we have magitech devices on hand to prevent any... messy accidents. So climb, cilmb as fast as you can!" he calls.
<OOC> Thurid says, "DC15 Climb Check, if you fall you will not be injured and may attempt again immediately."
<OOC> Thurid says, "You get three tries."
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (2)+6: 8
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (14)+4: 18
GAME: Merek rolls athletics: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Merek rolls athletics: (20)+1: 21
Merek nods a bit, then he wraps both hands about that rockface while he begins to climb. Then he fails, while he takes a moment to take that rockface back up, then he begins to climb with skill as well.
Thurid makes her way up to the wall, and she slaps her hands together, rubbing them together, before she begins trying to climb. Having large, solid hands is very useful for a wide variety of things. Like swinging giant hammers, carrying injured friends, wrestling. They are less useful for climbing, and she struggles to find cracks and crevices that can support her weight on the wall. She makes it a few feet up, but then slips back down. Unperturbed, she tries again, and makes it a fraction higher, but to no avail- the handhold crumbles and she falls down again. The third time, fingers acheing from the attempts, she doesn't even make it as far as the first two, and an adjudicator blows a whistle and directs her to stand away from the rock face, having exhausted all of her attempts.
Little wiry goblin fingers, on the other hand, are perfect for climbing. And the goblin scrambles up the rock face like he was born to climb. He scrabbles up on his first attempt, and is the first to reach the top.
The large Dran man does not suffer the same problems as Thurid, despite having similarly large hands. He is even stronger than the giantborn woman, and has no trouble forcing his fingers into cracks and crevices, hauling himself up to the top of the rock face.
Those that failed the climb, Thurid among them, meander their way around to the ramped rear side of the rock face and they join those who succeeded at the top of it. The sluice gates connecting to the nearby river open up, and the roaring of water drowns out the sound of the crowd as water floods into the arena, churning and lashing at the rock face- the competitors, again, have a few moments to wait as the next event is readied.
<OOC> Thurid says, "In the climbing, Goblin is First, Dran is Second, Merek is Third"
Eventually, the rushing waters come to a stop and the arena is filled up to a few feet below the level of the stone rockface, plenty deep enough to dive into and swim. The sluices close once more, and the waters begin to settle, the noise of the crowds returns as the dominant sound of the arena. The competitors once more take their places, preparing to dive in, and the starter pistol fires once more to signal them to go.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, acrobatics check to dive gracefully first off. DC is 10"
The whistling cheers from the lizards become muted as the Angoron team falls behind. Thurid's form is good but the woman is simply too lage, and Merek's technique... the man is doing everything wrong yet still succeeds perfectly. It makes sense in a way, the sith has certainly seen the opposite. She decides there's no coaching she can provide.
"Cheer Little Fang, they need their sspiritss bolsstered." She hisses at her youngling, who isn't paying attention at all and is simply happy to be out and around a lot of people.
GAME: Thurid rolls acrobatics: (14)+1: 15
GAME: Merek rolls acrobatics: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Thurid rolls 7: (13)+7: 20
GAME: Thurid rolls 1: (17)+1: 18
<OOC> Thurid says, "Not quite a bellyflop, but dangerously close ;)"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, your dive is a bit off center, you hit the water harder than you would like and don't get very much initial distance."
Merek looks to the water while he takes a moment to settle onto that rockface. He then launches along forward while he takes a dive along into the pool of water, only to manage to land upon it, with all of his dark attire gently poofing from the water like he was a float device.
Thurid pushes off the edge of the cliff face- her dive is nothing special, she brings her hands together, holds them out ahead of her, and penetrates the surface cleanly, but without any sort of flourish. She remains under the surface for a few seconds, before emerging a few yards further on, and begins a breast stroke- big hands definitely help with swimming more than with rock climbing, it seems.
The Korite goblin is a bit more energetic in his dive, wiry legs propelling him through the air, and he even does a full front flip, curled up in a tight ball, before stretching out moments before he hits the water. He barely even makes a splash. He remains under the surface for quite a while, before emerging a full body length and a half (hers, not his) ahead of Thurid.
The Dran man, on the other hand, adopts the same, simple, functional style as Thurid, but he manages just a hint more distance off the block than her, and emerges from the water ahead of her by a narrow measure.
<OOC> Thurid says, "And a DC 10 athletics (swim) check, -2 circumstance penalty for a bad dive."
"Oh my scales Merek, don't you know how much clothing drags in water, and it's worse when they're loose." Cryo sighs to herself. She has many opinions on swimming. She stands again, cheering loudly, "Go Angorons! Go Angorons!"
"Gangroarnsss" Lily cheers with her.
GAME: Merek rolls athletics-2: (16)+1+-2: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, you manage to pull it back and make decent progress in your swimming."
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Thurid rolls +6: (5)++6: 11
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (13)+4: 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "Still slightly behind the other three, but it's very close."
Thurid agrees with the Sith in the stands, and half wishes she had shed her tunic before jumping in- but rules are rules. And it is, at least, fairly lightweight. Her arms swing wide over her head, plunging into the water and shoveling her along with mighty strokes. Her head turns away from the surface on each stroke, taking deep breaths of air which she exhales while her face is in the water on the other stroke- a practiced technique, she begins to gain on the goblin whos motions are- while also practiced- much more frantic. He has to take three strokes for each one of hers.
The Goblin, who got his early lead, is not able to maintain it as the two much larger competitors begin to catch up with him in the open water. But that doesn't mean he stops trying, scrambling furiously at the water to try and stay ahead of them- the distance between them now down to less than half a body length.
Meanwhile, the Dran man is still just barely ahead of Thurid- and the gap widens even more, but there's still very little in it.
Merek begins working to swim with the water, while he nods a bit. He does actually manage well enough with the fact he was not great in that diving.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, one more athletics test, again open roll, and no penalties now since we all succeeded on the first swim check."
GAME: Thurid rolls athletics: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (5)+4: 9
GAME: Merek rolls athletics: (9)+1: 10
<OOC> Thurid says, "Goblin places first, Thurid second, Merek inches ahead of the Dran but it's practically neck and neck at the finish."
Thurid presses the advantage that her large size gives her, and she begins to inch ahead of the goblin towards the three quarter point of the race, tireless muscular arms pumping through the water rythmically as they draw nearer and nearer to the finish line.
The goblin, however, will absolutely not stand for this. He is a whirlwind of motion, flailing skinny arms and thrashing legs propelling him through the water. He lets out a gurgly warcry of effort as he drives himself to his limits to get ahead of the competitors- to the point that when he passes the finish line, his eyes roll back in his head and he begins to sink. But a moment later he pops back up, and lets out an exhausted- but triumphant- cheer.
The Dran, on the other hand, is running out of stamina. As consistantly as he has performed so far, he is beginning to tire, and gradually falls back- Thurid passes him first, and then he falls further behind and even with Merek. He does not give up, though, giving Merek a run for his money all the way until the end of the race.
"See Lily, you can still win if you're small. You just have to try harder." Cryo holds her up so she can see as the goblin crosses the finish line. Both of them make cheering, squealing noises.
She points out the Dran, "He paced himself, his form was good, but his spirit got weak. That goblin, more spirit."
"Roarr Sspirrisss." Lily hisses, and Cryosanthia bobs her head again, "Yesss, that."
Merek does manage to place, while he takes a moment to stand up from the finish line when it's all finished up. Then a nod along to the team, "You all did well, that was nice."
The remaining pack catch up to the finish line, pulling themselves out of the water and onto a platform erected for them. Once they are all up there, the water begins to drain back out of the arena with a mighty sloshing sound. The announcer's voice kicks back in once more, "And that is the end of the Triathalon!" he calls out. "Taking third place, for the Korites iiiiis... Batu of Dran!" he calls out, "Taking second place, for the Angorites - Merek. And last, but certainly not least, after that shaky start! Taking it for the red team, Our very own Tinkerwiz of Goblintown! Give it up for the competitors!" he calls out to the crowd.
Cryosanthia is in the stands, with a well bundled up Lily sitting beside her. The parka-rized kobold has a stuffed sith'makar plushee that is the same size as her. Currently grey coloured. They're holding blue pennants, declaring them for Angoron.
"KUDOS to the Winners!" The whitescale calls out, then turns to fuss with her foundling.
Merek smiles a little bit when learning he won second place, nodding a little bit. "Thank you!" he notes.
Sabina steps into the seating area of the stands with a skewer of some sort of meat. Her cloak and dress today appear to be black feathers which makes her mithral half-mask stand out all the more. She pauses to admire the size of the croud and take in their noise before figuring out what's going on out in the field. Then she starts hunting for a seat.
"Beanssss!" A high-pitched voice peeps. Little Fang has spotted Sabina in her coyote mask, and all those black feathers. Cryo's head perks up and she looks around, taking longer to spot the Tarienite. Very probably she was looking for Lord Emperor Extravagant. Finally she spots her friend, she waves a blue pennant, "Over here!"
Taking advantage of the short break while the organizers prepare the arena for the next events, Thurid strips off her tunic. She is still wearing fairly modest linen wrappings underneath, so no scandal for the Tribune here. She wrings out the garment, before pulling it back over her head.
Down in the sands, now the water is largely drained (although there are still puddles here and there) the organizers begin setting up for the next event. They bring out targets, and set them at even increments, as well as racks of javelins at the other side of the arena. Another rack of large bronze discs are produced. The competitors begin to make their way down from the raised platform where their swim ended, and are directed by the organizers towards their respective waiting areas for the next event- it seems this is to be the throwing portion of the day's competition.
Bina heads the calls and then spots the waving flags. She smiles and waves back and then makes her way towards her friends and begs pardon from those sitting nearby as she worms her way into seat next to the Sith and her foundling. "Hello! Hello!"
"Good people!" The announcers magically enhanced voice booms out again, "We have seen the trials of fitness and endurance of the triathalon. Now! We bear witness to the skill, the finesse of our accuracy! We have the throwing competition!" he calls out. "First is the Javelins! As you see, there are three targets. This is a test not only of distance, but of accuracy!" he calls out, "The competitors will declare their target before they throw. The furthest ones, of course, are worth more points. BUT!" he calls out and pauses for dramatic effect, "Should they fail to hit their declared target, EVEN if they hit another! Their efforts will be for naught!" he says then.
Merek would find a place to line with the competitors, while he waits for a call to begin with the team. There's a look to the place in thought.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Anyway- Javelins. Ranged attack, with standard modifiers, the close target is at a short range increment, the second is at medium, the third is at long. It has a base AC of 12, modified as normal by range increments. You get three throws, and you can chose with each throw which one you are aiming at, but you have to declare before rolling."
Cryo stands, leaning in to hug Sabina, grinning with all her teeth. "So feathery. You're warm blooded, so snuggling up to Little Fang please."
Lily is very happy to be near the aunt with all the gifts, and the feathers. She burrows into the cloak and hugs Sabina's hip, a happy cry of "Beansss, Peasss." working it's way free.
The whitescale slips back into her seat, adjusting her tail on the bench. She points down at the field, "Look, Merek is competing. He did very well in the triathelon. That large one, that's Thurid. She's a cleric of Angoron. That other guy there, he's from Dran, and there's a goblin. I didn't catch his name, great spirit. They're doing javelins next."
She twirls her hand in the air, "It looks cool. I prefer to throw my own things though."
Bina laughs and welcomes both the hug and the Lily. And Bina is indeed warm in the feathered outfit. "Peace on your nests, you two. And thank you. Always more fun to watch with friends." She takes a bight of the rapidly cooling meat and then pulls a bite off for Lily, offering it too her. Once the bite is either taken or refused she looks to the field and finds Merek and the others getting ready to throw.
<OOC> Thurid says, "-2 per increment, so the first one is base, medium is -2, far is -4. Unless you have far shot or another feat which reduces range penalties."
<OOC> Merek says, "Ok, I want to go long long long."
GAME: Merek rolls ranged-4: (4)+11+-4: 11
GAME: Merek rolls ranged-4: (18)+11+-4: 25
GAME: Merek rolls ranged-4: (16)+11+-4: 23
<OOC> Thurid says, "A miss and two hits, no threats. Go ahead and pose it."
Merek walks up to take the javelins, while he looks to the target. He then nods a bit to the long, while he takes a moment to lift up the weapon to throw it. The first skims along the side, while the next two would manage to actually hit the target.
<OOC> Thurid says, "I will be targetting the short first."
GAME: Thurid rolls ranged: (7)+3: 10
<OOC> Thurid says, "And short again"
GAME: Thurid rolls ranged: (12)+3: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "And then medium."
GAME: Thurid rolls ranged-2: (16)+3+-2: 17
<OOC> Thurid says, "I might as well resolve the goblin and the dran, then pose it all at once. A miss and two hits for me, too."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Goblin will be targetting long three times."
GAME: Thurid rolls 8-4: (11)+8+-4: 15
GAME: Thurid rolls 8-4: (5)+8+-4: 9
GAME: Thurid rolls 8-4: (2)+8+-4: 6
<OOC> Thurid says, "And he scores one hit. The dran will be targetting medium three times."
GAME: Thurid rolls 6-2: (13)+6+-2: 17
GAME: Thurid rolls 6-2: (19)+6+-2: 23
GAME: Thurid rolls 6-2: (17)+6+-2: 21
<OOC> Thurid says, "And lands all three"
The bite is taken! Oh! The bite is taken. Lily snaps it right up, fast and efficiently. The meat is gone as if it was never there. She chrrrs, "Beansss," and snuggles deeper into the warm feathers.
Cryo smiles, handing over a pennant. "It is. I haven't forgotten I promised to help with books. This one will be over after the competition."
Her attention turns back to the competitors, "Good shot Merek!" She comments to Sabina, "See, that Dran guy is good."
Thurid steps up to collect her three Javelins, and then wanders over to the line from which she is to throw. She feels the heft of the weapon in her hand, then brings it up "Short!" she calls out. She throws the weapon- but she is not especially accustomed to Javelins, rarely using them, and so her technique is poor and the javelin turns in flight. It hits the target, but not tip first, and clatters off it. Her cheeks flush a bit at the mistake, but then she readies the next one. "Short!" She throws the weapon, and it sails along a smooth ark to thud into the star target satisfyingly. She nods her head, and grins, then brings the final javelin up "Medium!". She hurls this one, and it follows a longer, taller ark, landing solidly in the center target.
The goblin is next up, and impatiently snatches up his javelins. "Longlonglong!" he says, and then he throws all three javelins in rapid succession. Perhaps too rapid, as the first one strikes true, embedding itself in the target. But the other two fall wide of the mark- the last one, so wide in fact, that he almost hurled it into the crowd beyond the target. He is admonished by a nearby organizer.
The dran, patient as measured as ever, says, "Medium." and tosses a javelin. It lands square on the middle target, "And again." he says gruffly, tosses another, and it lands right next to the first. "And again. Same spot." he says, and throws it and- as he promised- it lands in almost the same spot, the three of them wiggling gently as they hang out of the straw, tips touching.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Sorry, brb again for a minute"
Bina takes another bite and then waves the offered pennant towards the field and those on it. Voice raised in a call of support. Thought she chuckles at the goblin's admonishment in a lightharted way. Another bite is taken and she offers what's left to Cryo and then to Lily again. "It's not as easy as it looks. Tossing them that far."
Merek nods a little bit when he notices people are doing well, taking a moment to watch, and to listen to people while he seems to think about it. He finds a place to wait while he waves along to the participants then the spectators also.
"I haven't thrown sticks since I was a hatchling. Not in combat and not for a long time." Cryo admits, she looks thoughtfully down at Lily, "Might be worth fooling around with them a little."
The pink youngling stays enveloped in feathers, with a waving pennant sticking out.
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d9: (4): 4
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d2: (1): 1
The rest of the competitors take their turns- there are four lanes for the throwing, so it doesn't take too long for each to toss their three javelins, and then retire to the sidelines to watch the rest of them. One in particular of note is a young female Arvek'nar who didn't perform especially notably in the Triathalon, who scores three solid hits on the furthest target. Eventually, all the javelins are thrown, the organizers begin collecting them up, and the scores are tallied.
"And our winners for the Javelin throwing contest are as follows. In third place for the Korites, Barrus of Myriddon!" he calls out, and a half-elf man raises his hands to the cheers of the crowd. "In joint second place, Merek and Batu! One for each!" he calls out. "And in first place- for team blue- Mishka!" and that Arvek'nar does a happy fist pump.
The Tarenite nods to Cryo. "Well.. spears and javelins would serve the smaller Lily well in a fight. But lets hope that that never has to happen." She grins and winks at Cryo and then pulls Lily up to her lap and wraps more the feathered cloak about the little one in question. "Ooo! Merek in second again!"
Merek nods a bit with a clap for folk, nodding a bit. He smiles, then looks like he will try on the next task!
"He is, he has... very unusual form." Cryo says, smiling at Sabina takes Lily. The little kobold squirms in her embrace, and brings her stuffed toy with her. So it's almost like holding two little lizards. Lily's tail is a lot more 'in the way'.
"Ah, that are their names, Batu, Barrus." The whitescale shouts, "Congrats!"
She settles back happily, her own tail wriggling. "This one enjoys community events."
"That was accuracy, now, it's time for the discus! A test of sheer tossing power!" the announcer calls out, "And... a little big of accuracy. Please try not to hit the crowd, Tinkerwiz." he says, which draws some laughs from the crowd, and an angry glare from the goblin in question. Much like the last event, each competitor will get three chances to throw the heavy metal disks. However, this time, only ther best result of the three counts, and there are no targets.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, these will be open rolls using BAB+Dex, you get three, and the best result counts."
GAME: Merek rolls bab+dex: (1)+8+dex: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Merek has 16 so it's +3
GAME: Merek rolls bab+3: (4)+8+3: 15
GAME: Merek rolls bab+3: (3)+8+3: 14
Bina enjoys watching the start of the discus as well as snuggling Lily fang. "Comunity events are good. They help build bridges between folk. As well as friendly rivalry. It's when it gets out of hand that one must step in." She chuckles. "or sit back and watch depending on one's point of view."
Merek throws a few of the nice discus while nodding when it looks like he has a nice middling score. Then he stands along to wait while looking to watch what the people win.
<OOC> Thurid will roll herself and the NPCs and pose them together, again.
GAME: Thurid rolls bab+dexterity: (2)+2+1: 5
GAME: Thurid rolls bab+dexterity: (14)+2+1: 17
GAME: Thurid rolls bab+dexterity: (13)+2+1: 16
GAME: Thurid rolls 8: (9)+8: 17
GAME: Thurid rolls 8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Thurid rolls 8: (17)+8: 25
<OOC> Thurid says, "This goblin is having a real mixed bag kind of day"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (7)+5: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (13)+5: 18
"Well, yes." Cryo agrees, sitting a little taller. Her results with stepping in have been a bit of mixed bag, "This one likes the building bridges part."
She winces as Tinkerwiz fumbles his, "Those look heavy. Merek seems like he did ok."
When her turn arrives, Thurid steps up to the starting line again. She takes the first Discus, holding it a bit awkwardly- oversized hands working against her again, perhaps, she spins and tosses it, but it tumbles, and lands in the sand fairly close to her. She tries a second time, having gotten the hang of it, and she tosses the next one- this sails through the air, and she scores decently- a bit further than Merek's, but there's still plenty of untouched real estate she could have lobbed it to. The third attempt goes much the same as the the second, though it lands a yard or so shorter.
A few other competitors take their turns, and then the Goblin is up to the plate. He takes it a bit easier than the Javelins, tossing his discus- and about matching Thurid's best throw. He seems fairly pleased with that, and grabs another discus. He spins once, and then twice, and then- loses his grip on it. It drops onto his toe, and he starts hopping around and swearing loudly. Worse still, this counts as his attempt- a measly two feet, when it stops rolling. He grabs another discuss, incensed by his failure, and then with a mighty heft he lobs it far, eclipsing both Merek and Thurid's throws.
The stoic Dran is last of this bunch to the plate- and infact, one of the last competitors alltogether. His first toss is meagre, guaging the weight and the heft of the discus, it falls shorter than most. His second one is a much mightier throw, again surpassing many, but not the Goblin. His final throw is almost as good as his second, falling a few yards short of it, and he seems satisfied with the result.
Merek would listen and watch while he waits for the general tallying.
Munch showed up late... puncuality was never his strong suit, and things have not much improved since. There seems to be some disagreement as to what qualifies as 'natural'. "Of course it's magic! I'm a golem, everything I -do- is magic!" Some indistinct grumbles. "Okay, yes, that augmentation was added later, but it's built into the skin. I can deactivate it, but I can't just take it off."
Bina mms and nods. "Discus is about.. seven pounds or so? Like me trying to throw Emp after tossing him about in a circle a few times." She chuckles at the mental image. "Not exactly the best combat weapon but works well as a sports item."
GAME: Munch rolls bab+dex: (13)+11+dex: 24
GAME: Munch rolls bab+dex: (14)+11+dex: 25
GAME: Munch rolls bab+dex: (16)+11+dex: 27
<OOC> Munch is Korrite
<OOC> Thurid says, "team red it is!"
<OOC> Munch says, "ah, is a +3 for dex. Roll again or just use those?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "We'll use those"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Your last one almost hits the back wall, go ahead and pose it."
After a little more arguing, the Golem Who Eats is allowed onto the field, donning a loose Red tunic long the way. The weight of the disc offer the metal man little challenge, it's really about getting the angle right. The first toss, though impressive, is a little high, arching up quite a ways before falling back. The second over compensates, and flies low, hitting the ground with a bit of force still to go. The thrid throw hits near the sweet spot, arching well and flying fall, landing almost beyond the range of the field.
Cryo arches her head up, "You've thrown Emp? After spinning him in a circle? This one has spun Lily, so she sees what flying is like. I suppose Lord Emp would know what to do if thrown."
She looks at the field, then back at Sabina again, "and you mean the discuss, not Lord Emp, as the combat weapo...WOW! Did you see that one?"
The whitescale leans forward on the bench, "It's Munch. That's Munch throwing! This one knows him. He keeps getting my name wrong, which is very unusual for a golem. Nearly out with that last one."
"GOOD SHOT!"
At the late entrance, the already frustrated goblin starts complaining, "Wait that's not fair! He's a RO-!" he begins yelling at a nearby organizer. And then notices the color of the golem's tunic, realizing he's on their team, "Really great guy." the goblin finishes.
"And that ladies and gents is the end of the throwing section!" the announcer calls out, now the scores have been tallied, "In third place, again for the Angorites, is Mishka!" he calls out, "In second, for the Red team, we have Batu! Consistancy is his middle name, don't you know!" drawing some confusion from the crowd- Neither Batu nor Mishka's throws had been quite as far as Tinkerwiz's. The Announcer hastily explains, "I'm afraid our goblin friend was docked a few points for his truly appalling language. Discus do not have mothers, and if they did, they certainly would /not/ do that." he says. There's still some mild dissent, but the Korites in the crowd are placated by the clear winner- even before it's announced, they know, "And our tardy entrant, the one and only Golem who Eats- with a resounding first place for the red team!"
Bina's eyes go a tad wide as the discus flies on Munch's throws. She then chuckles as the results are announced. "Well.. I see that fate is truely up in the wind today. All the more fun in watching things play out."
Cryo smiles, sitting back and listening as the winners are announced. She stretches out her feat, then leans towards Sabina. "Random chance always sneaks in. Oh! This one is in Alexandria for Mikilo's birthday." Catching herself, she quickly looks around. Ok, no foreign dignitaries from Evil Empires in sight. It's safe to share details about friends with friends.
"Mikilos is one hundred and forty two today. It's just another mark on the wall for him at this point, and this one can relate, but has also had so few opportunities to celebrate..." Cryo makes some motions with her hands, a spreading, expanding push away, "... the birthings process rememberances of friends. So I got him a gift! Also he's making a thing for me, so I got him a job! This one should drag him to the Tarrace so we can embarass him. The embarassing is part of the birthings day, yes?"
Munch buzzes quietly at Tinkerwiz. "-War Golem-. Robots and automations aren't self aware. -They- wouldn't get annoyed by name calling. Anyway, good form on your throws. Well done. Pretty choice swearing too, even if the judges didn't appericate the creative metaphors."
Merek watches while the new person comes by, with a nod along to Munch, then he would wait while watching. When winners are announced, a nod would be offered.
Thurid seems to be enjoying herself, despite not really winning much- and her team seem to be slipping behind in the overall score, she is jsut here to have fun. While she waits for the next event, she wanders around various other blue-tunics, giving people slaps on the back and words of encouragement and generally being a smiling beacon of good cheer.
"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for." the announcer says. "If our teams would please gather at the feet of their Deities!" he says, and people do. A gate opens, and a whole team of the organizers come in, dragging a long length of heavy chain. "It is time for our finale. The Tug. Of. WAR!" the announcer calls out.
"It is is it?" Bina asks while continuing to watch the field. Lily is bounced lightly on her lap and then hugged with a chuckle. "The purpose of parties is to celebrate. Sometimes embarassment can come of it. Normally it's not the main goal though. The main goal is letting the person know you care enough to celebrate with them on a special day. Even if the day has lost some of it's special with time." She then ooo's at the next event.
Merek finds a place to settle in and look to the whole of that team while he nods, "What general order will we be in?" he asks of the team with a nod while he waits.
"This one understands." Cryo bobs her head, staring intently at Sabina, "And this one cares. Mikilos has seen... rather too much of this one, yet still is a friend. That is to be treasured. He also doesn't take care with himself, this one is worried he'll drift off. Ah.."
She shakes her hands and her head, "Too much heaviness for a sporting event, this one will tell you later." She leans down to nuzzle and pet Lily, who seems to have drifted off on her featherbed of an aunt.
Bina grins and eases off the light bounces she was giving Lily. Instead rocking her lap side to side to help keep Lily asleep. "Is she warm enough, Cryosanthia? I'm afraid I can't tell." She then nods to Cryo's suggestion about saving heavy topics for later. "The sudden nature of the challenge offers the teams little time to prepare. Another interesting factor."
Munch speaks briefly with the other followers of Kor before taking the Anchor position, slightly adjusted to account for the golems wings, and the range in size of the other teammates. individualism is important, but so is working together so every individual can shine on their own merits.
Thurid has a similar discussion with her own team, and as Merek expresses his intrest in being the anchor, she readily acquiesces the role to him despite her giantborn strength. Merek has after all acquitted himself well throughout the competition, so she moves to take her own position amidst those holding the heavy chain.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, each team will roll Strength, plus a bonus from those on their team rolling. Lower score gives ground. We'll do a couple of rounds of that, with poses."
<OOC> Thurid says, "So, first round- I'll roll my Aid Another for Merek's roll, and the two NPCs I've been rolling for to aid Munch"
<OOC> Thurid says, "The Aid Another DC is the usual 10."
Cryosanthia checks to determine the answer to Sabina's question. She touches the back of Lily's knee, a spot on her throat just above her chest, and her tailtip. It involves moving some of the youngling's parka. She is a big bundle of winter clothing today. "Yesss, she is warm enough."
"That reminds, this one needs a scroll of Endure Elements, do you know that? OH! They're lining up."
The whitescale's attention goes back to the competition field. "Yes! PULL!"
GAME: Thurid rolls Strength: (14)+3: 17
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Thurid rolls 1: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thurid says, "The goblin is having such a rough day."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Merek gets a +2. Munch gets no bonus, as the Dran's efforts are undermined by the stumbling Goblin"
GAME: Merek rolls strength: (17)+1: 18
GAME: Munch rolls strength+0: (16)+6+0: 22
<OOC> Merek says, "+2"
<OOC> Merek says, "for 20"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, we give ground."
Munch excells in physical prowess. It's rather literally what he was made for. But the golem's focus isn't the best... don't flap wings, that's cheating, don't activate OverDrive System, that's cheating, don't grow claws for a better grip, that's cheating... thus distracted, he's not great at utilizing his teammates to advantage, and thus they are little help. But, the metal man's raw power manages to overwhelm, hauling back on the chain via brute force alone.
Even while it looks like Munch was managing with the chain, Merek does put up what looks to be a wonderful defense. It takes a little bit of that work to give way upon the whole chain.
Thurid hefts her section of chain up, wrapping her forearm around it, and she digs her heels into the ground, ready to begin heaving. As both teams arraign themselves and take up the slack in the chain, it wobbles above the line dividing the Korite section of the Colosseum from the Angorite section. One link in the chain on either side is painted in the opposite team's color. As the red tunics begin to pull, Thurid pulls back- she is strong, but she can't get enough leverage in her current position to exercise it to its fullest. Thurids face reddens, her muscles swell and her cheeks bulge as she strains against the powerful War Golem and the team backing him. But she begins to give ground, her feet scraping against the ground underneath as the painted link on their side is drawn closer to that dividing line.
Meanwhile, on Munch's team, the goblin has chosen his spot hastily and poorly. The Dran, Batu, puts in a valiant effort, veins on his temples bulging. But as he begins to step back, the goblin behind him is not paying enough attention, and he half stumbles over Tinkerwiz.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, next round."
GAME: Thurid rolls strength: (3)+3: 6
<OOC> Thurid says, "Oof. No aid from me this time."
GAME: Thurid rolls 1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (3)+4: 7
<OOC> Thurid says, "or any of us. No aid either way!"
Bina chuckles softly and then oooos again as the pulling starts. Muscles and gears working overtime on both sides. "I use the devine version when I have need of it, I'm afraid. I do know it's elder sister, Resistance of Energies. But that won't do for protecting Lily or yourself from the elements."
GAME: Munch rolls strength+0: (18)+6+0: 24
GAME: Merek rolls strength: (13)+1: 14
Merek keeps on although looks like he doesn't make a lot of advance.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, you beat us by more than 10, so I think that's a victory for you."
"It's for Lily, this one is not bothered by cold and that's most dangerous as I can easily forget she is small and loses heat fast. Faran knows it, perhaps we can work together. OH!" Cryo's attention is snagged as the chain goes taut and they all dig in. She can see the teamwork in action, and the lack of coordination too. "Munch is doing very, very well, and Merek surprisingly so. This one did not expect that of the seer."
"For the Mountain!" The white sith'makar calls out. "PULL! Be what others break themselves on!"
Munch redoubles his efforts, aware his fellow Korrites are counting on his. Yes, it's a friendly game, but anything worth doing is worth doing your best. Digging fingers into the chain loops, the metal man sets his feet and growls. "GrrrrrRRRRR-WITNESS!" With a surge of effort, the barbarian yanks the chain hard, sending the painted link over the line.
The thing about giving ground is, once you start, it's hard to stop. Thurid resists the urge to lock her knees and dig her heels in, knowing that's a fools game in tug of war, but even so, the war golem's team is overwhelming. Her limbs tremble, and she huffs short breaths through gritted teeth, but that last wrench is too much for her. She finally gives way and stumbles forwards along with the rest of her team- and that's all she wrote, a couple of the team losing balance in the violent motion and they can no longer hope to hold their ground, the chain quickly dragged to the Korite side of the line.
The end of the match draws delighted cheers and dissapointed murmurs in near equal measure from the crowd, and the judges get to work on tallying the final scores.
"I didn't mean you Munch" Cryo calls, laughing loudly and wriggling in her seat. It's a friendly competition, and she wanted to participate. Her emotional guarding chomping at the bit, hoping for an easy success to swallow as self-esteem. She had no one to watch Lily, who would have wanted to join in and these games are too dangerous for youngling. So, responsibilities. Plus, no one asked. The call to adventure has to make an effort and at least knock. So she was happy to live vicariously.
The whitescale still wonders, would I have tipped the balance or not mattered at all. It's a question she asks herself often.
She waves these thoughts away, and outwardly she cheerful. She leans and gives Sabina a cold hug, "My team lost! Oh Noes! I'll have to get a big drink."
Bina frees her hands enough to clap along with the others in the croud. Clapping for the contestants both who won and lost. "Outstanding!" She then laughs and leans into Cryo's hug and then returns it. "A drink sounds good."
Merek would nod a little while he waits along for the tally, "Thank you, great little thing," he notes.
Finally the jusges have come to their conclusion. "Ahem. Ladies and gents, we have it here. It was close- at first, but a certain primary color has really run away with it in the last couple of events. And so, Kor and the Twilight Eidolon has won the day! Everyone, Give it up for team red!" he calls out to the crowd. A number of fireworks, prepared beforehand, are launched sending sparkles of red through the sky after loud whistles and pops. The merchants in the stands go around, selling beer and wine to those celebrating- or comisserating. The teams mingle, exchanging handshakes.
Thurid approaches Munch, and offers one of her massive hands. "Well fought!" she says, smiling brightly. "Perhaps next time might be a different story." she offers with a wink, before moving on to shake various other Korite competitors hands.
Munch buzzes happily, and nods in agreement. "Was a good contest. Could easily have gone either way." The golem also shakes hands, careful not to grip too hard.
Cryo pops to her feat, looking eager to run down the stands, "Let's go congratulate them. Do you want to carry Lily?"
The whitescale sith dances back, staring critically at 'Bina as she balances, and her tail sways behind her. "You look deliciously evil in that. All black and sharp. Like a Raven that's turned into a person. It's really amazing! Do my mind if I...?"
As her voice trails off, her clothes switch from her layered wizardly robes to something that's almost an exact duplicate of Sabina's dress. Except, in white, with a few glacially blue feathers worked in. Plus some snowflakes. There's also an allowance for her tail, which results in a short train of feathers. "What do you think?"
Bina eases to her feet with feather-wrapped Lily in her arms along with the rest of the croud as they cheer for the contestants. She adds in another cry for those on the field and then turns in time to catch Cryo's transformation and laughs in delight. "Stunning." She comments and then nods to the Sith.
Thurid seems to have had a similar thought, as she is headed in the general direction where she recalled spying that Familiar sith in the crowd. She is taller than most, and so doesn't struggle to see them over the other competitors who are milling about, meeting friends or fans as the case may be. She heads on over. Several carts are being wheeled out from the sidelines onto the arena floor, with kegs of alcohol, various foodstuffs. Seems like the sports arena is going to serve, too, as the festival grounds.
Cryo heads down with Sabina to meet the contestants and congratulate them, and celebrate with friends new and old. She lets 'Bina mind Lily, because it's always great when there's someone who is skilled at that, until her foundling wakes up.
The pinkscaled, pink-parka-rized kobold youngling is full of energy and underfoot, trying to get attention, until she isn't. Then she turns a little bitey and cranky, and the whitescale takes charge and puts her in the saddle-haversack.
"It was wonderful! Thurid, you were amazing. Merek, this one can't believe your running and swimming style, and so strong against Munch. Who makes a great anchor. This one must go, there is a friend who is ignoring that this is his been birthed day and this one must remind him. And get Little Fang to bed before she chews off my tail."
"Peasss. Go." Lily says, waving goodbye so Ssassa will understand it's time to go now.
Cryo laughs, "Yes, Peace on your Nests. This one hopes to find you soon." Then she's off with a bounce in her tail, singing a hymn to Angoron.
Bina lets the cranky foundling go back to Dryo and then offers them a wave as they head off. She in turn moves forward to offer congratulations to the contestants. "Ahh. Merek. You did very well! I'm afraid I haven't met the rest of you. But job well done!"
Merek waves along to Cryosanthia and nods a bit in thanks, while making a way along from the place. Then a smile to Bina as well as to Thurid as well as Munch.
Thurid laughs and offers Cryo a wave as she dashes off with the youngling, and then she turns to Bina. "Thank you- I'm Thurid." she offers with a bright smile. As she spies the nearby keg carts, she says, "Excuse me a moment- I'm parched." and heads on over to go and get herself a drink. She also finds herself some roasted meat on a stick, much like Bina's earlier treat, when she returns.